The One Direction hunk has enrolled on a flying course in Orange County, California, and is hoping to become a qualified pilot before the end of the year.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "He can't think of anything cooler than being a helicopter pilot, so booked himself a block of lessons through a company just outside of Los Angeles.

"With hard work and persistence, he reckons he can be qualified by the end of the year."

The 20-year-old singer is known for his womanizing ways - having previously romanced TV presenter Caroline Flack and pop princess Taylor Swift as well as his most recent girlfriend, reality star-turned-model Kendall Jenner - and is said to be hopeful his new hobby might score him points with the ladies.

An insider added: "The famous girls Harry tends to date aren't impressed with flash cars any more, so he wants to have something that will make their jaws drop.

"Ultimately he wants a helicopter on standby, so he can just jump in and fly himself - and his date - anywhere he wants. That's something that would surely excite any girl."

Harry is reported to have distanced himself from his bandmates Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik in recent months because he has been spending so much time in the US.